Sheriff: $2K in illegal mushrooms seized from couple's home

Two people were charged with growing hallucinogenic mushrooms Thursday after Cleveland County Sheriff's Office investigators found a growing operation in their Kings Mountain home.

Teddy Calvin Lastinger, 37, and Sherri Michelle Lastinger, 34, of Ferguson Drive, were arrested after investigators searched their home and found a psilocybin mushroom growing operation.

"This had been an ongoing investigation that the residents have been under surveillance by narcotics investigators for approximately 30 days prior to the execution of the search warrant," Sheriff Alan Norman said.

Psilocybin mushrooms are listed as a schedule one substance, Norman said.

Police seized about 200 grams of mushrooms with a street value of about $2,000.

Norman said some of the mushrooms were still growing.

Both Calvin and Sherri Lastinger are charged with possession of marijuana, manufacturing of psilocybin mushrooms, and possession with the intent to sell/deliver mushrooms.

They are being held under a $50,000 secured bond.

Norman said illegal mushrooms are not common in Cleveland County, and are more often seen around college campuses.

"But this goes to show that Cleveland County is not immune to this type of substance being grown, and for resale purposes," he said.